Chelan County warns of email scam targeting Community Development applicants

Chelan County Community Development has alerted residents about a scam involving fraudulent emails targeting land-use applicants. Recently, a local applicant received a fake invoice requesting $5,000, featuring specific details about their amendment application and the county logo, making it appear authentic. Community Development Director Deanna Walter highlighted that the department never sends invoices via email, as all fees are collected in person or through secure online accounts. She noted the increasing difficulty in detecting these scams due to the accessibility of public records. The department advises residents to look for phishing signs such as misspellings and unfamiliar sender addresses.

They also recommend reporting suspicious emails to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Walter’s statement underscores the importance of vigilance among residents to avoid falling victim to such scams. This warning reflects broader concerns about online security and the growing sophistication of fraudulent schemes.